YSU invites campus community to support Canstruction food drive

Youngstown State University will again participate in the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley’s canstruction event at the Eastwood Mall, where teams build structures made entirely of canned food that is later donated to support hunger relief in the region.

The Sokolov Honors College is coordinating YSU’s participation and is inviting departments, faculty, staff and students across campus to contribute canned food donations to support this year’s structure.

Through the canstruction event, participating teams design and build large structures using donated canned goods. After the display period ends, all food used in the structures is donated to Second Harvest Food Bank to support individuals and families throughout the Mahoning Valley.

YSU’s participation highlights the university’s commitment to supporting community partnerships that address food insecurity while engaging students, faculty and staff in service opportunities that benefit the region.

The deadline for donations is Friday, May 1. The canstruction event will take place Monday, May 8 at the Eastwood Mall.

Requested donation items include:

• 700–1,000 Starkist tuna cans (blue)
• 200–300 Great Value Chunk Chicken Breast cans (white)
• 100–200 Campbell’s soup cans (red)
• 12 cases of bottled water

Individuals or departments interested in contributing can find more information at the YSU PenguinPulse website. 

For questions or assistance with donation pickup, contact Alisha Dodge at amdodge@ysu.edu.